Oshawa woman found guilty of animal cruelty

Oshawa This Week

DURHAM -- An Oshawa woman has been found guilty of permitting distress of a dog in one of the worst animal cruelty cases the Humane Society of Durham Region said it has ever seen.

On Sept. 18, 2011, an eight-year-old pit bull, wrapped in a sheet, was taken into the Whitby shelter. The dog was so emaciated that a staff member could fit her fingers between its ribs. The dog's hip bones were protruding, it had no muscle or fat anywhere on its body and was extremely lethargic. After six days of vet care, the dog did not recover and had to be put down.

Selinah Tremblay, of Oshawa, was found guilty under the Ontario SPCA Act on Nov. 29. She received a 15-year prohibition from owning, living with or caring for any animal. The SPCA was also granted inspection rights to verify compliance for the duration of the probation period.

Pet owners are being reminded that if they have concerns for the welfare of their animal, there are alternatives to allowing an animal to go without adequate care. They are encouraged to contact the local humane society to discuss what services are available.